Theeyaattam
type of dance
Theeyaattam also known as Theeyaattu (Tīyāttu) is a traditional temple dance form of Kerala.
There are two types of Theeyaattam – Bhadrakali Theeyaattu and Ayyappan Theeyaattu. Bhadrakali Theeyattu is performed by Theeyaattunnis (a Brahmin community in Kerala) whereas Ayyappan Theeyaattu is performed by Thiyyadi Nambiars.
Bhadrakali Theeyattu
Bhadrakali Tiyyattu is a ritualistic dance usually performed in Bhadrakali temples, mostly in the Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts of south-central Kerala. Pallippurathu Kavu at Kottayam (family temple of Kottarathil Sankunni) Thrikkariyoor Mahadeva Temple, Panachimangalath Bhadrakali temple (family temple of Panachimangalath Illam) near Kothamangalam, Vanarkavu at Madakkathanam, near Thodupuzha, Puthukulangara Bhagavati Kshetram (family temple of Choma Elamon Mana) at Peringara are some of the places where tiyyattu is performed during annual festivals. It is also performed as an offering at temples and houses.
The Bhadrakali Theeyattu dance depicts the war of goddess Bhadrakali with Darikasura where finally goddess Bhadrakali emerges as the winner.
The performance has many parts of which – preparation of the ritual art known as kalam (Kalamezhuthu), singing songs in praise of Bhadrakali and the performance of the dance are a few. Kalamezhuthu is done during the day using natural coloured powders on the floor. An elaborate picture of Bhadrakali is normally made.
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